Abstract

Viral hepatic diseases which may change the plasma lipid distribution, has been associated with most prevalent and fatal non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study was designed to determine the effect of triple infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive individuals with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis D virus (HDV) on lipid profile and the likely consequence. Five milliliters (5ml) of blood sample was obtained through vein puncture from nine-three (93) HIV positive (male and female adults) out-patients attending antiretroviral clinic and transferred into EDTA bottles. Samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm, plasma separated into another tube, labeled appropriately and refrigerated at -20⁰C. Presence of HBV was determined using SWE-Care HBsAg rapid kit strip (China) while presence of HDV was determined using a DIA.Pro HDAb (Italy) ELISA kit. Total cholesterol, (TC) triglyceride (Trig), high density lipid (HDL) and low density lipid (LDL) levels were determined using standard methods. Of the 93 HIV positive blood samples obtained, 7 of them were co-infected with HIV/HBV (7.5%) and of the 7 who were co-infected, 6 of them were also infected with HDV. That is, 85% of co-infected patients had triple infection (HIV/HBV/HDV). Results of lipid profile of TC, Trig, HDL, and LDL mean level in the patients infected with HIV/HBsAg/HDV were 4.22 ± 0.40mmol/L, 1.40 ± 0.18mmol/L, 1.55 ± 0.20mmol/L, and 3.29 ± 0.37mmol/L respectively. Only the mean value of LDL (3.29 ± 0.37) was above and significantly higher than its normal standard range with the p value < 0.005. The result of high levels of the LDL marker shows that, the subjects of this study with the triple infection may be predisposed to cardiovascular disease.